Crucify The Flesh

"And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." ~ Galatians 5:24-26

Our flesh can be deceiving. Often, we think our fleshly desires are what are natural to us. We say things like "follow your gut" and "listen to your body."

But the Bible tells us to crucify our flesh. That means to control it by not giving in to its wishes and desires.

God calls us to walk by faith, and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Thus, to live according to His will, we must learn to control our emotions and fleshly desires by crucifying them. Don't let them control you.

God bless,
J.W.

Love The Way You Lie

"When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." ~ John 8:44

In the garden of Eden, Satan provoked Adam and Eve to sin, not by telling an outright lie, but rather by deceiving them through truth. He told Eve that if she were to eat the forbidden fruit, she would "be like God, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:5). That was true.

What he didn't tell Eve was that she was already like God (Genesis 1:26), but that eating the fruit would make her less like God. In fact, it would kill her and her entire family (Genesis 2:17).

As you go through your daily trials, don't expect Satan to tell you outright lies. No. Deception is best executed when disguised as truth.

God bless,
J.W.

"In Spite Of" God

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over." ~ Psalm 23:4-5

Over the years, I've come to realize that God is an "in spite of" God.

In spite of my circumstances, I have victory in Him. In spite of the evil surrounding me, no weapon formed against me shall prosper. In spite of what I've done, God still loves me unconditionally.

What about you? Have you experienced his "in spite of" love today?

God bless,
J.W.

So Emotional

"Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me." ~ Psalm 51:5

Often times, as humans, we think that because something feels natural to us, that it’s the right thing to do. We say things like, “follow your first instinct,” “whatever feels right to you,” or “if it feels right, do it,” as a way to facilitate this philosophy.

But the Bible says that we were born in sin and shaped in iniquity. Our natural state is sinful.

Emotions can be fleeting and feelings can change, but the Word is always consistent. That’s why we need to look to the Bible and God’s Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in the right direction we ought to go.

Wouldn’t you rather base life’s decision on something solid and stable rather than something that changes with the wind? I know I would.

God bless,
J.W.

What do you think? Was this helpful? Is there something to be said about a woman’s intuition or a gut feeling? Am I totally wrong? Let me know what you think – I love to hear from my readers. And please share this message with others if you think it will help them. Thanks so much and God bless!

The Truth

In discussing religion and faith with both Christians and non-Christians, I've always said I think it takes more faith to believe that God does not exist than to believe that He does. This article is case in point.

In it, an Indiana University biologist argues that: 1) human sexual reproduction doesn't make evolutionary sense, 2) reproduction through sex between two partners is actually inefficient, and 3) the best way to reproduce is self-fertilization, where females impregnate themselves.

So, the question is, why do humans reproduce through sex with other humans?

Well, instead of chalking it up to God or some sort of divine spiritual inspiration, the study finds that the reason for human sex is to stave off infection and disease from parasites.

Really?

The Bible tells us that in the last days, people will begin to believe any and every thing under the sun (Mark 13:22-23). As true believers, our duty is to trust and believe in the truth. Make sure the things you believe are supported by the truth and not a lie.

God bless,
J.W.

Honor

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you." ~ Exodus 20:12

Honoring your mother and father is not only good for your relationship, it's good for your health and strength. God's Word says that doing so makes your days long upon the earth.

Well, today's my mother's birthday and I just wanted to say how grateful I am for all that her and my dad sacrificed for me and now, my growing family. Just a reminder that we should honor our parents, not just on Mother's or Father's Day, but every day of the year.

God bless,
J.W.